3rd Caltrans fatality here prompts stand down

A medical investigator checks the body of a Caltrans maintenance worker who was struck and killed by the driver of a white Cadillac shortly before 9 a.m. Monday. The accident occurred on the on ramp to eastbound state Route 94 from northbound state Route 15.
— John Gibbins

A medical investigator checks the body of a Caltrans maintenance worker who was struck and killed by the driver of a white Cadillac shortly before 9 a.m. Monday. The accident occurred on the on ramp to eastbound state Route 94 from northbound state Route 15.
— John Gibbins

Both were part of Caltrans Division 11, which includes all of San Diego County and Imperial County. Since 1924, 177 workers have been killed in the line of duty statewide, according to Caltrans.

Just this past April the agency held the 21st annual Highway Workers Memorial Day ceremony to honor its fallen employees.

Caltrans is posting notices on its statewide network of more than 700 electronic highway message signs reminding motorists to watch out for Caltrans employees.

"The work stoppage is in effect statewide today, according to Rocco. "It will be a little longer in San Diego."

Rocco said the stoppage affects litter crews, landscapers, pothole crews and the like but does not halt construction projects by contractors. "There will be no work stoppage," he said.

“Every day, highway workers put their lives in danger just by going to work,” said Acting Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “These three tragic incidents are sobering reminders that we all must do everything we can to keep our highways safe. Motorists must slow down, watch out for highway workers and safely move over a lane when passing work crews.”

"The Caltrans Family is in shock with the passing of Mr. Gonzalez," said Caltrans District Director Laurie Berman. "This is a reminder that highway work is among the most dangerous professions, and we desperately need motorists to slow down and pay strict attention when driving, especially through our road maintenance and construction work zones."

Flags will be at half-staff on Caltrans buildings across the state in remembrance of Caltrans workers who have lost their lives this year.

Governor Jerry Brown issued a statement today in response to the death of Gonzalez: “Anne and I join the family, friends and Caltrans colleagues of Richard Gonzalez in mourning his death.

"As we cope with this tragedy, I remind all Californians to stay alert on our roadways and slow down when Caltrans workers are present.”

Brown ordered that flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol.